Metal vs Plastic Frame Glasses | Which Eyewear Style is For You?

Two of the most popular materials to make glasses frames are stainless steel and acetate. Stainless steel is a durable metal that’s an alloy of carbon steel and iron (among other things), known for being lightweight and durable. Other popular metals include Monel, titanium, and aluminum.

Acetate is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic and offers durability while holding color well so you can go crazy with styles and patterns on your glasses. Plastic glasses are also sometimes made of polycarbonate or nylon.

Every person shopping for glasses has to choose between plastic or metal frames. Read on to learn how to pick the best material for your lifestyle, and the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision. 

How to Choose: Plastic vs. Metal Glasses

Pick Eyeglasses for Your Lifestyle

Consider the activities you do every day that you need to be wearing glasses for. If you work in healthcare and you’re on your feet all day, you’ll want a comfortable pair of lightweight glasses from a metal like stainless steel. Metal eyeglasses also have an adjustable nose piece, so you can change the fit and make the frames feel secure on your face.

However, if style is most important to you, then a pair of plastic acetate glasses offers more versatility. Consider Emerson, a single-bridge modern aviator that combines the studious feel of tortoiseshell with the effortlessly cool look of the classic aviator. Plus, thicker plastic frames can hide stronger lens prescriptions, whereas metal typically can’t.

Choose Eyewear That's Comfortable

You have to wear glasses for the majority of the day, so you want to pick the pair that’s most comfortable for you. If you want to be able to make your glasses fit as securely as possible, a metal pair offers arms that are easier to bend and adjustable nose pads. It’s possible to still bend plastic frames, but they don’t have as much give.

Decide Which Best Fits Your Style

It’s often just as important for people to have eyeglasses that match their looks as it is for them to be the most comfortable or durable. Think about the impression that you want to make. 

In general, plastic glasses look more modern, whereas metal glasses look more traditional. Consider your wardrobe and how that meshes when choosing between plastic vs. metal glasses.

 If you’re looking for a cool, retro vibe, then shop for a pair of acetate round frames such as Tate. Anyone searching for a more studious look should consider semi-rimless frames like Jaxon. Made from a mix of both stainless steel and acetate, these frames offer the comfort of a pair of metal glasses with the cool vibes of acetate.

Plastic Eyeglass Frames

Pros for Plastic Frames

There are lots of great pros to purchasing plastic frames. They’re hypoallergenic; plastic is nickel-free, so it won’t affect anyone with sensitivity. The frames are thicker, so they’re perfect for concealing thicker lenses for stronger prescriptions. This also makes plastic frames feel more secure on your face, unlike metal ones that tend to be thin.

Plastic frames come in more color options because plastic can accept color more easily than metal can. Plus, they are made to be very durable if made out of acetate or polycarbonate.

Cons for Plastic Eyewear

While there are tons of great reasons for choosing plastic eyewear, there are a few cons as well.

Plastic eyewear is not as easy to adjust as metal, plus they don’t usually come with adjustable nose pads. 

Exposure to sunlight over time can cause the plastic to warp, compromising the quality of the frames. And even though they can be durable, plastic frames are typically easier to break than metal ones. 

Metal Eyeglass Frames

Pros for Metal Eyeglasses

Some of the pros of metal eyeglasses are that they’re easy to adjust, so you can fit them perfectly to your face due to the more flexible arms and adjustable nose pads. Additionally, metal frames have a very minimalist look that never goes out of style.

If you’re looking for all-day comfort, you can’t go wrong with metal eyeglass frames. They’re extremely lightweight, making them perfect to wear for long periods.

Cons for Metal Frames

While metal frames are a great choice, they certainly aren’t perfect. Metal is typically more expensive than plastic, and the hinges are easier to break because the frames are thinner. 

Metal frames can also cause allergy issues for people who have sensitivity to nickel and other metals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Metal Frames Offer More Flexibility and Adjustability Than Plastic Frames?

Yes, metal frames offer more flexibility and adjustability than plastic frames. Metal wire frames come with adjustable nose pads, so you can change the space between the pads to make the frames sit exactly where you want them on your nose bridge.

The arms are more flexible in metal frames as well. If the glasses feel too loose on your face, you can slightly bend the arms inward to secure a tighter fit. If the glasses feel too tight, you can gently push the arms outward for a looser fit. This can be done with plastic frames as well, but there won’t be the same level of flexibility.

How Do Metal and Plastic Frames Differ in Terms of Maintenance and Care?

It doesn’t matter if the frames are plastic or metal, they should be cared for in the same way. Clean your glasses every morning (if possible). First, wash your hands. Then, use gentle dish soap, warm water, and the pads of your fingers to clean off dirt and grime. Never use your nails, for they could scratch the frames or lenses.

Once the dish soap is completely washed off, dry the glasses with a microfiber towel and you’re good to go. For any pair of glasses, don’t leave them sitting in the sun because it will warp the frames. Also, avoid storing them on your head, for that stretches out the frame. Instead, always store glasses in a designated case when you’re not using them.

Are Plastic Frames Considered More Budget-Friendly Compared to Metal Frames?

Plastic glasses and sunglasses are a bit more budget-friendly, but you can still find metal frames at a reasonable price. A typical pair of acetate glasses like Wesley costs about $39 from WMP Eyewear, while the pairs that incorporate stainless steel like Jaxon cost $45.